2023 was jam-packed with programs, events, and new initiatives. Let’s look back at what we achieved together as we continue to create gender equality in medicine.
Programs
We launched two new incredibly successful programs this year: our inaugural in-person conference, RISE, and the CLIMB Research Scholars Program. The RISE conference drew 150 people for an inpirational two day event focused on skill building and problem solving. RISE will return in August 2024 and you can pre-register here!
We received a record-breaking 178 applications for our 2023 programs, enabling 90 women physicians to benefit from world-class skills training, networking opportunities with key opinion leaders, and financial investment. The 2023 Escalator Awards program invested $170,000 in eight talented women physicians.
The Talent Directory also saw great growth this year, with 450 new women physicians registering, expanding our community into five new countries! (Psst, women physicians, sign up here).
Research
We’re committed to increasing the number of women physicians involved in clinical research, helping to drive better quality research and patient care. This year, we worked in different ways to achieve this goal, and we are planning for more exciting things in 2024.
Created more opportunities
We were proud to partner with the Cardiovascular Clinical Trialist Forum to support more up-and-coming women researchers. Sponsored by Esperion Therapeutics, the inaugural Women as One CLIMB Research Scholars program was launched as part of CVCT 2023 in Washington DC. The program created valuable opportunities for three emerging women researchers, enhancing their visibility, and making the necessary professional connections to ensure their future success. Learn more about the program here.
Together with 2023 Corporate Member Boston Scientific, we ran a session for Talent Directory registrants during TCT 2023. The session featured industry experts who shared their tips and tricks for working in collaboration with industry organizations as evidence generators.
We formed a new partnership with Radcliffe Cardiology to put women’s voices at the forefront of the latest science during ESC Congress. Watch the two videos summarising the latest data on women’s health here:
- Focus on Women’s Health: Takeaways from ESC 2023 featuring Drs. Rasha Al-Lamee, Roisin Colleran and Valeria Paradies. Watch the video.
- Focus on Women’s Health: Takeaways from ESC 2023 featuring Dr Marta Cvijic and Professor Julia Grapsa. Watch the video.
Funded women-led research
Through the 2023 Escalator Awards, we funded $100,000 of women-led research. Research award winners Sylwia Iwańczyk, MD and Navaneetha Sasikumar, MD are completing important research in their fields; “Coronary microcirculation in patients with aneurysm dilatation of coronary arteries” and “Early detection of congenital heart disease in NICUs in low and middle-income countries” respectively.
Conducted research
We were able to support the publication of research within the American Journal of Cardiology, helping highlight the reality of the representation of women in cardiology. The article, “Representation of Women in Cardiology Academic Faculty Ranks” can be read here.
Educated about research opportunities
In partnership with the American College of Cardiology Women in Cardiology Leadership Council, we shared opportunities available to women within research at a session during the 2023 ACC Scientific Sessions.
Prepared for a better future
We were invited to take part in a roundtable with the European Society of Cardiology, where with other stakeholders we began laying the groundwork for a more diverse and inclusive future for cardiovascular clinical trials. A resulting consensus paper will be published in 2024.
Events
2023 was our biggest year yet for events with the Women as One community. We attended events in six countries across two continents. We hosted seven events for our community with our industry partners: Abbott, Abiomed, Boston Scientific, Bristol Myers Squibb, Penumbra, and The PERT Consortium. During their congresses this year, we also partnered with three professional societies: the American College of Cardiology, the European Society of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association.
Thank you to every member of our community, every ally, and every corporate partner who have been essential to such a great year! Here’s to an even bigger and better 2024.
